Hey...I haven't had the time (yes my excuse) to wax the L since I got it in March.

I want to know if there are any special treatments I should do to the paint before I wax it since I have left it so long? It's time for me to get the shine back on! and maybe some 20 inch replicas!

This weekend will be dedicated to waxing.

Thanks.

 

well, what can i say, if you have not waxed it yet, then you should be shot. i waxed mine probly 30 times or more in less than a year!

 

I would start by washing w/ dawn. Clay bar then wash w/ dawn again. after that I would go w/ a good polish and then wax. The dawn and clay bar will remove any oxidants and roughness to the pain. You will remove any old wax etc w/ the dawn. The polish will hide swirls and scratches and give it a little more shine. The wax will bring it all together and protect the shine and bring it out. After waxing dont wash w/ dawn unless you want to start all over again. Once its all done was w/ meguirs gold class or a quality car SHAMPOO. Maintain w/ occasional waxes...3-4 weeks maybe. Then every 6-12 months start all over again. You can also jsut go buy a complete detail kit that will include everything I mentioned and then some. Tire/ rubber/interior treatment and quick detailer plus all the applicators and towels bucket etc. Expect to spend a full day and about 100 dollars or more to get EVERYTHING you need.

 

I would just get this:

 

wash w/dawn, then claybar is the correct answer

 

Is IVORY okay? ...I need to see if I can get a Clay Bar on my little island.

 

actually dawn is the only dish soap that will strip everything. The porter cable is nice but expect to pay 150-200 for it. Many companys make clay bars and you can always have it shipped to you.

 

http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...htm?E+coastest

119+shipping from there. i've been told it's a worthwhile unit and will put it to the test as soon as the weather warms up.

 

buffers are scary... watch out for swirls.
truly, by hand is the only way to ensure you have a perfect finish.. as long as that is not in a swirl motion.

 

Go here: www.zainobros.com

You won't regret it.

Dan

 

just take it to a professional for this round and have them take the spider webs off for you... for the 80 bucks or so you'll spend you'll have peace of mind and a pro finish to build on and maintain.

 

After you get it cleaned up, maintain it with some kind of spray detailer a couple times a week. Mine is just over a year old now, garage kept and waxed only 3 times... but Meguires (sp) spray detailed at least twice a week. Paint surface feels soft and smooth to touch, and water just beads and runs off her. Highly recommend it...

 

ya... you'ld be amazed at how much easier it is to maintain once you have that base down and a good regiment of finishing spray... Zaino makes a finish to go with it's product line too...

 

This is the best advice that has been offered yet. If you go a year between wax jobs, your either extremely busy or don't feel like waxing. There is alot of work involved to get back to that new car/truck paint shine. And I'd imagine the salt spray must really dull the paint